Stacey Scott

Program

Computer Science

About my research…

I am passionate about designing computing technologies that support small groups of people working and socializing in face-to-face environments. Over the past 10 years, my students and I have explored many next-generation computing technologies that facilitate collaborative problem-solving, planning, decision-making, and game play. In a new line of research, my students and I are also exploring how to improve animal welfare on commercial and recreational farms using emerging Internet-of-Things computing technologies.

How my Research Improves Life…

The goal of my research is to improve the effectiveness and reduce the frustrations of using computer technologies during face-to-face collaboration. In a time- or life-critical situation, such as a team of emergency response personnel gathered together to respond to a security threat or natural disaster, computer interfaces designed to facilitate group discussions and information sharing, such as an interactive tabletop or wall display, can save lives. In less "critical" environments, such as the typical office environment, computer technologies that promote face-to-face group work can help support joint design or planning activities. Such research is needed since the vast majority of existing computers and computer interfaces are designed to be "personal" computers. While many "personal" computers enable remote collaboration, most offer little to no support for multiple people working together at the same computer - such as in front of a large situation display in an emergency response center or at a shared whiteboard in a design firm. Rethinking how computers can support both personal and collaborative human endeavours to facilitate information access and sharing, and enhance the collaboration process, can have a profound impact on many different types of work or social situations.